kscans

Chapter 448 - Family of Actors

Today was Abel's birthday, so Parfait and her friends were busy with preparations at their AFO base.

Abel's plan was to log in at the Royal Capital, speak with Diite at the church, and then head to the Eastern Country. That meant they still had some time before he arrived.

As an actor, Abel maintained a strict diet in his daily life. Since he loved sweets, they were preparing a massive amount for him to enjoy, at least in virtual reality.

This was all thanks to them obtaining some of the ingredients that the clan "Shooting Star" had been monopolizing. Ronios was the cause of that situation, but since it had been for Wilnel's sake, she still looked apologetic.

"I don't think you need to worry about it anymore," Parfait said.

"I can't just say that. The ingredients are more expensive than usual because of me."

"That's just part of the fun of the game. More importantly, let's hurry and get ready. Abel-kun is busy with all sorts of things, so we don't know if he can stay all day. We need to make sure he has fun, even if it's just for a short time."

"He can't stay for long? But he's having a birthday party in the real world, isn't he? I was invited, so I'm actually a little excited."

"It seems Abel-kun is getting acting lessons from Veru-san at home. He spends most of his days off training."

Everyone in Abel's family, except for his mother Cecil, worked as a movie actor. Furthermore, his grandfather Veru, his father Ash, and his aunt Ren, as well as their acquaintances, were also actors.

Parfait found it strange that her own parents somehow knew such a family, but Abel's father Ash was friends with Hayato, and Esha and Ren were just as close.

She had also heard that back when they lived in Colony "Factory," they had worked at her family's cafe. Even Abel said he wanted to work part time at the shop someday.

"Speaking of which, Abel-san's mother, Cecil-san, isn't an actor, is she?" Wilnel asked Parfait, who was making pudding, as she put up decorations.

"That's right. I think I heard she was an athlete who did all kinds of sports, like marathons and javelin."

"It doesn't seem like she would have much in common with the movie actor Ash-san. I wonder how they met."

"I've wondered about that too. I asked Ren-kyoukan once, and she said they just hit it off because they both lack tact."

"...I have so many questions, but first, who is Ren-kyoukan?"

"Oh, right. Ren-san is our instructor... for romance."

"Romance?"

"Yes. Ren-san is the type who'll die if she doesn't get her regular dose of love stories, so she's always asking us about ours. Actually, she's been asking since we were little kids..."

Wilnel made a complicated face, but Parfait, perhaps as a follow-up, added, "She's definitely a good person, though."

"At first, I thought she was asking for research for her acting, but it seems to be a complete hobby. She's always telling us that a woman should be in love every single day..."

"Just so you know, she says it to guys too. She checks in on me every time we meet," Rick said. He had also been helping with the party preparations, and must have overheard their conversation.

"She said for a man, the heart is more important than the face. She told me to make my heart handsome."

"She says that to me a lot too. 'Make your heart beautiful.' It's too vague, I don't really get it..."

"I see... I understand that part, but what did she mean about Ash-san and Cecil-san lacking tact?"

"Apparently, it's just as it sounds. Ren-kyoukan said Ash-san and Cecil-san lack tact. But she says it so happily, even though it's not a good evaluation. She said their relationship has no pretense, and that two negatives made a positive or some other thing that didn't make sense."

"...I've never met her, but will I be able to see Ren-san today?"

"Nine times out of ten. Ren-san is supposed to be busy, but she never misses events like this. She'll show up, ask for love stories, and then leave. Oh, and this is a rule you have to follow. Don't touch the pudding, or there will be trouble later."

"I've seen all her movies, but I can't imagine her like that at all... Then again, her private life is said to be a complete mystery."

Ren had appeared in every genre of film from horror to romance, but her private life was said to be a total unknown.

There were even baseless rumors that she performed black magic curses late at night. No one knew what the real Ren was like. She was that different in every role, from her expressions to her personality.

What's more, she was so thorough that not a single romantic rumor had ever surfaced about her. Some even said that Ren was computer-generated, an actress who didn't actually exist.

However, that assessment was only from people who knew her through a screen. Parfait and her friends had met her many times, and their evaluation was "the older sister who loves love stories."

But for Parfait's group, who had almost no love stories to tell, she was also recognized as being just as troublesome as Ronios. Ren would tell them it was fine to just make things up, so Parfait had several imaginary boyfriends.

"She asks about love stories, but she doesn't seem to have a boyfriend or anything herself."

"Compatibility is a factor, I suppose, but it's a little hard to believe. With her beauty, it seems like she could date any man she wanted."

"I know, right? I've never heard a single romantic rumor about her... although I did hear she was interested in a guy once, a long time ago."

"I'm curious what kind of man he was. Speaking of which, I saw Ren-san's debut film, and she was just a background character. An extra, really."

"You saw that? Actually, that movie was filmed at our place. It was back when we were on Factory, apparently."

"Is that so... In that case, was the cafe owner modeled after Hayato-san?"

"No way. My dad isn't that cool, so it's not related. Besides, it's not like a master sniper like that actually exists."

"That's true, that was the feel of the story. A mysterious woman who appears only on nights when gunshots are heard, and the shopkeeper who prepares the finest coffee without asking questions... The fleeting love that blossoms in a killer who had lived as a killing machine moved me to tears...!"

"I'm surprised you rated it so highly, but it's a film that still gets talked about from time to time. Every time we watch it, my mom complains that we provided the location but didn't get a single G out of it."

For some reason, she had also mentioned something about portrait rights, but Parfait was sure that was completely unrelated.

"Hey, it's fine to talk, but your hands have stopped. Let's save that story for when Abel gets here."

Rick's comment made Parfait and Wilnel snap to attention.

"Right. Natsu-chan and the others will be here soon, so let's get as much done as we can before then!"

With that, Parfait resumed her work.

After the preparations were finished, Parfait, Natsu, Chris, Rick, Ginny, and Wilnel waited for Abel.

Abel had already sent a voice chat message saying he was on his way. He sounded so happy that his cheerful voice left a strong impression.

After a few minutes of waiting, there was a knock on the base's door.

"It's Abel. You guys in there?"

Parfait's group immediately went to the door and opened it.

"Happy birthda—Abel-kun?"

They were all a little taken aback by Abel's appearance. It was so dark and ominous, nothing like his usual self.

He wore a black, hooded robe, pulled so low they couldn't see his eyes, and the clothes visible underneath were also pitch black. He even had a skull necklace around his neck, and several large nails and a straw doll hung from his waist.

He looked less like himself and more like a suspicious person, someone who dealt in curses for a living.

Noticing their wary stares, Abel seemed to realize something and pulled back his hood. Silky blond hair came into view, but his face was still hidden. He was wearing a mask with what looked like red rubies embedded over the eyes.

When Abel removed the mask as well, it was finally the face Parfait and the others knew.

"Sorry, sorry. It's a pain if I get recognized, so I came in disguise."

"Oh, I see. It's tough being a popular guy."

"Tell me about it."

"You know, it's kind of annoying when you agree with that."

"You're the one who brought it up. Anyway, you're having a party for me here too, right? I was looking forward to it, so let's have a blast!"

Though known to the public as a prince, Abel acted his age around Parfait and her friends. He entered the base without any hesitation, looked around cheerfully, and exclaimed, "This is awesome!"

They all gathered around the table to celebrate Abel's birthday. Afterwards, Natsu sang a birthday song in an enka style. Everyone else made a face, but Abel was delighted.

"As expected of my friend. To think you truly understand my music."

"Last year's heavy metal style was good, but I think the enka was great too."

"Have a donut!"

"Oh, thanks. Man, Diite-san gave me sweets for my birthday too, but it's great that I can eat as much as I want here and not get fat!"

Along with the donut from Natsu, Abel devoured the sweets Parfait's group had prepared. He said he usually only ate carefully calculated meals, which was pretty tough.

It must be especially hard for Abel, who has a sweet tooth. But apparently, he had never once given in to temptation in the real world. Parfait always thought she could never be that disciplined.

"Hey, you're new here, right? Wilnel, was it? I'm Abel."

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Wilnel. I am already familiar with you, Abel-san. I've seen all your movies."

"Oh, thanks. Right, Wilnel is Ronios-san's niece, isn't she?"

"You know of Ronios-sama?"

"My mom told me about her before the recent commotion. Something about fighting her in AFO. Well, this must be fate. Nice to meet you!"

"Yes, a pleasure to meet you as well. By the way, Abel-san, may I ask about your equipment...?"

"Oh, Diite-san gave it to me, but it seems Ren-neesan prepared it. It's pretty cool, right?"

Parfait thought it was less 'cool' and more 'shady' or 'dangerous'. A look around confirmed that everyone else's face shared her opinion.

"Abel, I thought you were learning martial arts like me. Are you going to fight in that outfit? You look exactly like a sorcerer," Chris said.

Though not at the same gym, Abel was learning martial arts as part of his acting career, which is what Chris was referring to.

Abel popped the rest of his cheesecake into his mouth, chewed thoroughly, and swallowed.

"I plan to play as a sorcerer, so I won't be using martial arts. I'm just doing that to maintain my physique and for roles, so I'm not that serious about it."

"I see, so that's why you're a sorcerer. I heard Ren-kyoukan was playing as a sorcerer too."

"Yeah, and apparently Hayato-san made these Five-sun Nails and Straw Dolls. They're cool, right!"

Cool or not, Parfait felt a little happy knowing they were her father's creations.

"I don't care how you look, but personally, I'm glad you're here, Abel."

"Huh? Rick, you got a problem or something?"

"No, I just felt a bit out of place. Being the only guy here."

"What's there to feel out of place about with people you've known since you were kids? Don't tell me you're starting to see one of them as a woman or something?"

This must be what it means to lack tact, Parfait thought. They weren't formal with each other, but they were both at that age. He could have found a better way to ask, she grumbled to herself.

"No, not even a little bit."

Parfait looked at Rick and thought, "You too?" but she held her tongue, not wanting to make the atmosphere weird.

"Abel-san, Rick-san, I think you should be more considerate of a girl's feelings. You should treat us more like ladies. There's courtesy even among friends, as they say. For starters, why don't you try cross-dressing to understand how we feel? I have a recommendation. A super recommendation."

"I sort of get what you're saying, Ginny, but you guys are like family to me. Besides, I already cross-dressed for your birthday."

"That has already been digested. I need new nourishment! Do you want me to starve to death!"

"I kind of feel like you'd survive even if the world ended..."

Since the atmosphere didn't get as weird as she'd expected, she joined in the pointless chatter. They had had similar conversations many times, but with close friends, you never get tired of it. You can listen to it over and over.

Time flew by, and soon it was almost time for the real-world birthday party, so they decided to call it a night.

But just then, Abel spoke up as if he had just remembered something.

"By the way, Ren-neesan said she wanted to hear everyone's stories."

"Isn't that business as usual? It's a pain to make up a fake boyfriend every time, but I'll tell her a masterpiece today."

"Not that. Apparently, it's about Natsu and Ruth-san. What's that about?"

"Oh, that..."

"How did that information leak!? I mean, it's not true at all, you know? I have no idea what you're talking about, but can I be the only one to skip the birthday party?"

"Your true self is showing... Wait, are you dating Ruth-san? There's no way Ren-neesan would miss that. You're in for an interrogation that would put the police to shame, for sure."

"N-no, tha—that's not true. We are not dating."

"Oh, so it's a one-sided crush. I'll pray for you, so good luck."

"Th-thank you—that's not it. It's a misunderstanding. As different as calling a great fortune a great curse."

While trying to calm down the flustered Natsu, everyone logged out. Afterwards, before heading to Abel's house, Parfait and the others stopped by Natsu's house to drag Natsu, who was wrapped up in her futon, along with them.